Outdoor Activities

September is Motocross season in Billings with the BMC Fall Classic Motocross kicking off on September 9 at 9 a.m. Head to the Billings Motorcycle Club at 3630 Old Blue Creek Road and check out the world-famous 2-mile Yellowstone River Forest Track nearby. Whip-fast and featuring options to snag plenty of air time for double and triple jumps, you’ll be treated to woops, table tops and sand/deep loam berm corners.

From the hairpin turns to the rhythm sections and sand sections all the way through the downhill and uphill jumps, it’s guaranteed to be an adrenaline-pumping good time. There are plenty of spectator viewing areas that let you catch all the action as the contenders take on a prepped track featuring the latest sprinkler systems and designed for heavy equipment.

The Race is On

Drag Races take place throughout the month at the Yellowstone Drag Strip, including the Menholt Classic. Catch a race September 2, 3, 16, 17 and don’t miss the Flat Track #5 Under the Lights on September 23. This high-speed motorcycle event boasts a 3/8 mile course with packed bleachers and plenty of concessions.

You’ll see some of the fastest bikes in the world on this flat track, which draws athletes from around the country. New and vintage bikes alike take on each other to finish first. All events are family-friendly.

Located at Monad Road and South 19th, Sacajawea is a 10-acre park in a gorgeous destination that’s perfect for family fun and picnics. May is idyllic weather in Billings, and the temptation to spend the afternoon on the playground, playing on the softball field or engaging in a little basketball pick-up is strong. There’s plenty of field space for soccer, rugby and more. You’ll also find the Sacajawea Crafthouse on site, a shaded area designed for gatherings.

Swing by one of the many local restaurants and grocers for a picnic lunch or dinner, and enjoy the great outdoors in Billings. Business travelers often plan corporate events in parks like Sacajawea, and you can reserve a shelter through the city of Billings.

Taking Shelter

Picnic shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis but can also be reserved in advance. Reservations are available 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. at most parks. However, the crafthouse isn’t available for online reservations. You can reserve this special place in person at the city offices for a $100 refundable fee.

You can also secure an alcohol permit for parties at some shelters and parks including Coulson, Riverfront and Swords. However, alcohol permit applications require an in-person process and a $75 fee. Visit the city offices at 390 North 23rd Street, call 406-657-8371 for reservations, or simply stop by Sacajawea Park and discover one of the most popular parks in the region.

See Billings from an entirely different perspective! Skydiving in Billings isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s a fantastic way for thrill seekers to really take in the beauty of the region. With Billings Skydiving, you get the experience and professionalism that only a team of professionals can provide. Whether it’s your first skydive or you want to get certified to dive solo, this is the most established outfit in the area.

Skydiving promises a 200 foot-per-second drop, and your first tandem fall is an experience like no other. Freefalls last for about sixty seconds before your guide opens the parachute, and you’re treated to a gentle decline. For those who want to get certified while in Billings, you need to complete the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) training program which includes ground school lessons followed by training jumps.

Sky High

Another fantastic outfitter is Skydive Billings which guarantees safe, thrilling falls for all ability levels. Make sure to opt for a photo and video package to capture your unique bird’s eye view fall! Certification and first falls are also on special.

Whether it’s for Dad’s day or just to up your adventure quotient, skydiving is a one-of-a-kind way to experience Montana.

Montana is proud of the number of beautiful state parks we have to offer visitors. Many of our parks draw tourists from all over the country. Lake Elmo State Park is a 64 acre Reservoir that is located inside Billings’ city limits. While it is still inside the city, just minutes away from your Billings hotel, you can feel like you are out of the city and enjoying nature in the peaceful quietness of the country.

Lake Elmo State Park is a hot spot for locals and tourists alike. In the summer months you can cool off swimming in the lake or have a picnic with your friends and family. Many find the dog park a wonderful addition allowing the furriest family member to enjoy the fun also.

While summer months prove to be the most popular time of the year, this is also a great spot in the winter. It is a great place to take in the beautiful surroundings while ice fishing, cross country skiing, taking a leisurely walk or ice skating on the lake. Wildlife is abundant throughout the year which gives visitors a chance to interact with nature while walking or skiing along the 1.4 mile trail around the park.

We invite you to enjoy some of Montana’s beauty while visiting with us. Please stop by our front desk and our friendly staff will be happy to give you directions to one of the most peaceful places in Billings, Lake Elmo State Park.

Ice fishing is a winter activity that not everyone gets to enjoy. While you are visiting with us, why not take the opportunity to go ice fishing in some of Montana’s best fishing holes. We have a list of a few of the hot fishing spots among the locals here in Billings.

West Rosebud Lake: Boasting of insatiable trout, you are sure to bring home dinner but be warned, the wind is pretty brutal so be prepared.

Lake Josephine: One of the closer fishing holes, this small lake is located in Riverfront Park. Don’t let its size fool you, it has some enormous fish. Catfish, Carp and bluegills are just a few of the different species you will find here.

Cooney Reservoir: A summer hot spot for water skiers, this is the winter pot of gold fro walleye and trout.

Deadman’s Basin: A bit of a drive (about an hour north), this spot is one of the best spots around and has been known to produce fish so large they are state records.

Tongue River Reservoir: Just east of Billings, this spot is known for massive Northern Pike and tasty Crappies.

If fishing isn’t your cup of tea, there are several fishing derbies that are coming up over the next few weeks. Head over to watch one of the weigh ins, enjoy the excitement and see the massive beautiful fish that anglers pull from our lakes. If summer fishing is more your style, be sure to book your stay with us online. We are proud be you Billings hotel and offer you outstanding service, a comfortable stay plus a number of top notch amenities. We are excited to serve you again as you explore more of what our great town has to offer.

Summer is here and we are in the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors. With amazing surroundings, you won’t find a shortage of thrill seeking, adventurous activities that allows you to soak up the sun and the beautiful views.

Check out our local outfitters and book an adrenaline filled white water rafting ride down the Gallatin and Madison rivers. This high energy adventure is becoming more and more popular drawing many to the area. Local guides will take you on full or half day rides over exciting rapids to explore the excitement of this past-time.

Hiking, while just as fun, allows you to keep your feet planted on dry land. With plenty of trails to choose from, Swords Park Trails gives you 60 acres to explore and unbelievable views. Running along the rim in billings, you can overlook the city and surrounding areas. Winning Montana’s Trail of the Year award, it is guaranteed to give you an enjoyable hike.

Horseback Riding is another alternative to the high energy sports. Catch a glimpse of the five different mountain ranges and walk through a field of beautiful wildflowers. Horseback tours are available for anyone from an expert rodeo cowboy to the most un-experienced rider there ever was. Take a day tour or spend the night out under the stars like a real westerner.

If you are looking for a more mellow activity that still gives you the enjoyment of being outdoors take a float down the Yellowstone River. Grab a tube, some sunscreen and a few friends and head down to Riverfront Park. This relaxing journey down the last free flowing river in the United States is beautiful and locals love floating for a relaxing adventure.